MISFITSTUDIO: dreamland

Jun 12, 2011

dreamland

Being present lets us experience each moment in our lives in a way that cannot be fully lived through memory or fantasy.

A reminder after watching Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the co-production between The National Ballet of Canada and The Royal Ballet and based on the famous Lewis Carroll book
The Alice stories have long fascinated artists both for their fantastic visual effects and the rich psychological and emotional terrain
Wheeldon’s ballet, however, "seeks to restore the book's fundamental appeal: its brilliantly anarchic and unfettered evocation of the imaginative world of childhood, a world that, having lived it once, we all carry within us, if only in dreamland"

It can be easy for us to walk through the world and our lives without really being present. Daydreaming and dwelling on the past or living for the future are common pastimes, it is impossible to live anywhere but the present moment. Nevertheless, we can easily miss the future we are waiting for as it becomes the now we are too busy to pay attention to. We then spend the rest of our time playing “catch up” to the moment that we just let pass by. During moments like these, it is important to remember that there is only Now.

In order to feel more at home in the present moment, it is important to try to stay aware, open, and receptive. Being in the present moment requires our full attention so that we are fully awake to experience it. When we are fully present, our minds are clear, and tend to not wander. We are focused on what is going on right now, rather than thinking about what just happened or worrying about what is going to happen next. Being present lets us experience each moment in our lives in a way that cannot be fully lived through memory or fantasy.

Some of us may feel a lack of control because we aren’t busy planning our next move, assessing our current situation, or anticipating the future. Instead, being present requires that we be flexible, creative, attentive, and spontaneous. Each present moment is completely new, and nothing like it has happened or will ever happen again. As you move through your day, remember to stay present in each moment. In doing so, you will live your life without having to wait for the future or yearn for the past. Life happens to us when we happen to life in the Now.

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testimonials

Some shamless self promotion! I have taught around the city of toronto for ten years now! 10 years in some form or another, and it is just a pure pleasure and joy to continute to teach,classes, private clients, Corporate classes and mega events, its always an adventure, a ride and humbling hour or so where I learn more and more and more and am blessed to share time with so many amazing, inspiring people!
here are a few new testimonials from clients, student and teachers themselves!

"Amber brings a huge amount of energy and warmth to the classes she runs. She is one of those wonderful people that lights up a room when she enters. These wonderful traits she brings to class are part of the reason they are so popular, you couldn't leave her class not feeling happier. Her classes are amazing by themselves though, the movement style and creativity especially during Fusion classes keep things fresh and if you want, they can push you to your limits. In short she is one of the best and most motivating teachers I have ever had."
-Jason deCoursy

Amber offers a workout that builds strength, core stability, and flexibility. Don’t be fooled by her charmingly gentle demeanor – come ready to work hard! Each and every week, Amber will push you to the limits of your potential with humour, grace, and intelligence, while always respecting the individuality of your body.
Kristie Painting

For 3 years running I have been attending a yoga/pilates fusion class led by Amber. Every Monday evening she has me sweating, stretching, groaning and walking away feeling like I’ve just done something spectacular both mentally and physically. Amber’s enthusiasm for the practice and her passion to share that enthusiasm is just one of the things that makes her such a fantastic instructor. Her focus on the individual and one’s overall well-being makes her standout amongst her peers. The combination of Amber’s smooth style and gentle demeanor along with her ability to push you to places you didn’t think you could go, will keep you coming back for more!
-Theresa Smith

I have been doing yoga for years and Amber is by far the best yoga/pilates instructor I have ever had! I always come out of the class feeling like I got an amazing work out, but her focus on deep stretching and meditation also allow me to walk out of the class feeling amazingly zen and positive.
-Karen Wang

Amber encourages each student to maximize his/her individual potential in all areas of the mind, body and soul. She’s great!

-Chris Salvatore

Each week is a new adventure! Amber caters each class to our requests while still maintaining consistency and building on progress from week to week. She walks us through the poses, exercises and stretches with patience and encouragement. I have definitely noticed an improvement in my core strength and overall fitness. My best runs are on Tuesdays after our Monday class when I am stretched out and energized from our practice.

Thank you very much for all of your help in whipping our butts in to shape Amber!!

Cheers,Rob Beach
Amber’s sessions have had a major impact on my overall wellness. I am eternally grateful. I am a competitive skier and volleyball player who’s been troubled by debilitating back pain for years. Her core strengthening focus and smooth delivery style have allowed me to (safely) gain much needed stability and strength in my core. I have much less pain day to day in my back and my strength has improved a great deal. My ability to perform in ski racing and volleyball has been improving ever since I adopted her program and attend the classes regularly. She’s a remarkable guide to wellness and her ability to bring focus and inner peace during the course of a hectic day is second to none. I HIGHLY recommend her.

~Andy Durnford

I have done Yoga and Pilates classes before separately but have never imagine that they could be integrated. Well, Amber has made the integration so smoothly and seamlessly that her Yoga/Pilate routines “make sense”. Amber knows how to build us up from the start. During my first few weeks with Amber, I was sweating and shaking a lot doing less advanced poses as I am doing now. Now, I just perspire a bit and feel great after each class. Amber also tailors the class to how we feel that day to help us relieve our stress and pain. She explains to us most of the moves that she was asking/showing us to do, of course, with lots of laughs and giggles !!! Never a dull moment !
~Amy Tam

Amber's fusion of pilates and yoga have been a godsend. I've had scar tissue in my left aductor that's plagued me for 2 years. After 2 months of weekly classes, I have more mobility than I had before my injury. Every breath, movement, sequence, and class builds on the next. I've never felt stronger or more flexible. She raises your confidence and lifts your spirit. For that, I can't thank Amber enough.

Nick Lijoi

I am not a Yoga or Pilates person, but I knew that it was good for me. Previously we had an instructor and I dreaded the classes. Then we got Amber, I love it. I schedule my meetings around attending her classes. She makes it fun, even when we are in pain. My back is stronger and I am more flexible as result of attending her classes. I looked forward them every week.AMP – Burn! You get amped and then you burn! Get amped while you burn. AmberBURN??
~Sharleen Moodie

Movement Tip

a little blurb

MISFITSTUDIO is a unique studio hidden in the depths of parkdale. Blending elements of Pilates, Yoga and Dance, this studio focuses on the experience of movement
Group Classes and Private sessions are individualized and created based on students needs and desires, as most bodies need different and varying attention
With her many years of Dance and personal Yoga and Pilates practise, Amber nurtures her students, creating a warm environment in which comfort and lightness can be felt
laughter, joy and celebration are encouraged at MISFITSTUDIO

As winter sets in for the long haul, and the days seem shorter, the light disapperas earlier and motivation fades. . . . .dont fret
allow this time to relesh in all of your yoga teachings, breathe, stand tall and allow warmth to circulate thruough the body
and mostly, keep healthy
its during these dark nites cold, flu and illness can sneak up on you. . . . .so drink fluids, eat balanced meals and get pleanty of rest, and if you still need some assistance, check out this link for lots of healthy tips!!!

Brian Kest, Power Yoga

http://www.poweryoga.com/

BACK PAIN

With just a few moves, you can bring your legs, hips and spine into proper alignment, release tension and gain supportive strength. The following asanas provide traction for your spinal muscles, as you root through the hips and let a gentle pull or gravity make space between the spinal bones. Over repetition and time, you’ll start to enjoy a body that’s no longer stopping you, but rather serving you to live, move and play!!!

1- forward bend, slight bend at the knee and feet hip distance apart, deep fold at the hips and hang out! let gravity take over, breathe slow and deeeep, shift weight forward and fight the urge to crank yourself out, go slow and reset your spine as you stand

2- downward dog, If done properly, this tried-and true asana can be excellent for spinal traction and back health

3- childs pose, knees wide, big toes closer,if your head doesn’t touch the floor, place a block or fists under your forehead so you can relax completely

In all asanas, take time to connect to your breath, breathe slowly into your back body, consciously expanding the back and creating space on the inhale, and on the exhales, let ever more tension dissolve

WRIST Support
If you are practicing vigorously and adding lots of arm balances, chaturanga, side-plank, full plank, wild thing, you get the picture....if using a thick mat isn't available,
try doubling up on your mat!!

Hydration in the HEAT!
The summer is here, full on, so drink fluids all day long to ensure you are well hydrated. This is useful for your day, any outings, but especially during exercise!
Water is best, as we all k now, but try adding a squeeze of lemon, or grapefruit into your water, refreshing with a touch of zing!!!!

Jun 12, 2011

dreamland

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